Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Gato Barbieri: In Search of the Mystery

154

Gato Barbieri: In Search of the Mystery

By

Sign in to view read count
Gato Barbieri: In Search of the Mystery
This is not dinner music, nor is it Last Tango in Paris, though there are actually hints of tango flitting around the mix. This is Gato Barbieri with a little extra scream in his step, moving out in the free vein of the '60s avant-garde—loud, brash, unpolished and unapologetic. Showing the influence of his work with Don Cherry, Barbieri brings tons of energy to this 1967 ESP session, which finds him conversing with an unusual sparring partner in Calo Scott, playing an electrified cello.

Barbieri's big tone takes on an electric note too, as he plays with an intensity to rival the guitars of the day. His horn sounds like it's turned all the way up, and takes on a wickedly distorted feeling when he reaches for the extremes of the instrument, which is often.

The two tracks are separated into two sections, which aren't easily discernable to the ear. The music itself reaches fervent highs, ebbs a bit, then reaches on up again. The differing sections mix haunting beauty with explosive free expression. At certain points, Barbieri's tone and choices are gorgeous; packed with a sense of ballsy exploration. At others, his sound jolts like prolonged electroshock. The inspiration occasionally loses out to repetition, as the sax takes the same line up again and again, hitting shrieking multiphonics. Often it charges things up nicely, but not always.

The standout moments occur when Scott and Barbieri lock into moments of deep conversation, repeating lines to each other, or sweeping the music up to a majestic, devastating high. "Obsession No. 2 / Cinemateque" features sections of almost classical beauty; still touched by the shock and awe of free music.

Drummer Bobby Kapp also has a chance to shine in the second track, with a pair of extended solos that get the blood thundering with storms of polyrhythm. Hints of tango dance freely amidst the cacophony of "In Search of the Mystery / Michelle." Scott seems to suffer a little in the mix, but his striking pizzicato opening creates an almost mystic air for Barbieri to caress, before tearing into the music with growing intensity.

While it's not music for everyone, it's exciting to hear Barbieri with all his growls, screams, and squalls. The music is always original, always personal, and always in search of something just out of sight. That it never finds the answers keeps the sound so fresh, and makes listening to it a truly unique experience.

Track Listing

In Search of the Mystery/Michelle; Obsession No. 2/Cinemateque.

Personnel

Gato Barbieri
saxophone

Gato Barbieri: tenor saxophone; Calo Scott: cello; Sirone (Morris Jones): bass; Bobby Kapp: drums.

Album information

Title: In Search of the Mystery | Year Released: 2009 | Record Label: ESP Disk

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Sensual
Rachel Z
Over and Over
Tony Monaco Trio
Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.